Tony Wied Wins Republican Primary for 8th Congressional District Seat
In a noteworthy outcome on Tuesday, Tony Wied, a former gas station owner, clinched victory in the Republican primary to succeed retired U.S. Representative Mike Gallagher. Wied’s campaign has been significantly bolstered by the endorsement of former President Donald Trump, which proved to be a key factor in his success.
Endorsement and Primary Election Results
Wied was officially endorsed by Trump even before announcing his candidacy in April. He secured a win against former Appleton state Senator Roger Roth and De Pere state Senator Andre Jacque in both the special primary and the regularly scheduled primary elections. Following the outcomes, both opponents conceded the race to Wied.
Upcoming November Election
Wied is set to face OBGYN Kristin Lyerly, a Democrat from De Pere, in the upcoming November election. The winner of the special election will hold office until January 3, 2025, coinciding with the remainder of Gallagher’s term, after which the victor of the regular general election will serve a complete two-year term.
Trump’s Enduring Influence
Tuesday’s results underscored Donald Trump’s continued impact on Republican candidates, particularly in the northeastern Wisconsin region. Wied, a newcomer to politics, outperformed Roth and Jacque, both of whom have long-standing public service records, particularly in representing various parts of the district.
Divergence from Gallagher’s Policies
Wied’s selection as the Republican nominee marks a distinct shift from Gallagher’s previously adopted foreign policy, which included disagreements with Trump, such as Gallagher’s criticism during the January 6 insurrection and his impeachment votes. Wied aims to supplant Gallagher with a representation more aligned with Trump’s agenda, specifically opposing aid to Ukraine.
Support and Fundraising
Throughout his campaign, Wied leaned heavily on Trump’s endorsement and featured it in multiple advertisements. He asserted the need for outsider candidates who are committed to prioritizing Wisconsin families and supporting Trump’s objectives.
Financial Backing and Election Tactics
Wied’s campaign reported substantial financial backing, raising approximately $859,072, which included a significant self-loan. In contrast, Roth and Jacque lagged in fundraising, with amounts of $727,550 and $243,689, respectively. Meanwhile, Lyerly also demonstrated strong financial support, raising over $1 million while entering the race unchallenged.
Democratic Response
In the aftermath of Wied’s primary success, Wisconsin Democrats have responded by emphasizing Trump’s overarching influence within the Republican Party. Party Chairman Ben Wikler highlighted Wied’s victory as a demonstration of a shift towards extreme Trump-aligned perspectives within GOP politics.
Looking Forward
As the November elections draw near, Wied’s campaign is poised to push the Republican agenda while preparing for a robust challenge from Lyerly, who portrays herself as a pro-freedom advocate, particularly regarding healthcare and women’s rights.
